Government Fails to Pass Women's Reservation Bill in Lok Sabha

New Delhi. The government was unable to pass the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill related to the Women's Reservation Bill in the Lok Sabha. This bill proposed increasing the number of seats in Parliament from 543 to 850.

After a lengthy discussion lasting 21 hours, voting took place. A total of 528 MPs present in the Lok Sabha cast their votes. Out of these, 298 voted in favor while 230 opposed the bill. To pass, a two-thirds majority was required, which amounts to 352 votes from the 528. Consequently, the bill was defeated by a margin of 54 votes.

Although there are 543 seats in the Lok Sabha, the current number of MPs stands at 540 due to three vacant seats.

The government did not present two bills for voting:

First - The Delimitation Amendment Constitution Bill 2026

Second - The Union Territory Law (Amendment) Bill 2026

The government refused to allow voting on these, stating that they are interconnected and thus do not require separate votes.

This marks the first instance in 12 years of Modi's administration where no bill was passed in the house. Previously, Amit Shah delivered a one-hour speech, asserting that if the bills did not pass, the opposition would bear the responsibility. He emphasized that the women of the country are watching who is obstructing their progress.

Following the bill's failure, the opposition claimed victory.

Rahul Gandhi stated, "We have defeated the attack on the Constitution. We have clearly stated that this is not a Women's Reservation Bill, but a means to alter India's political structure."

Priyanka remarked, "This is a significant victory for our democracy and the unity of our nation. As I mentioned earlier, this was an attack on the Constitution, and we have successfully thwarted it, which is a positive outcome."

Shashi Tharoor expressed, "We have always supported women's reservation and are still ready to vote in favor. However, it should not be linked to delimitation."

MK Stalin stated, "On April 23, we will defeat the arrogance of Delhi and those who support that arrogance."

The government was aware that the bill would not pass, as Modi made three appeals, and Shah made one.

The government recognized that it lacked the numbers in the Lok Sabha, which is why it repeatedly sought support from all MPs. PM Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, along with various BJP and NDA MPs and leaders, urged the opposition to support the bill.

PM's Three Appeals:

On April 13 at an event: "I urge you to write to your local MPs and encourage them while participating in this historic parliamentary session."
On April 16 in the Lok Sabha: "We do not seek credit; once passed, I am ready to thank everyone. I am giving you a blank check for credit."

Shah stated, "Women will not forgive."

On April 17 in the Lok Sabha, Amit Shah remarked that the women of this country are observing who is obstructing their path. While one may escape here amidst the noise, the anger of mothers and sisters will be evident. When seeking votes in the elections, the maternal force will demand accountability.